'Ogling drivers cause one million crashes in UK every year'

The study found that distracted motorists cause an average of 2,525 crashes every day as they lust through their windows, the equivalent of 921,840 per year.

Drivers crash their cars into lampposts or shunt other vehicles more in the summer when men and women are wearing less clothing, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

A study of 2,142 drivers found 60 per cent of men admitted being distracted by attractive women while 12 per cent of female drivers said they took their eyes off the road to leer at handsome men.

As many as 21 per cent of drivers also admitted that they couldn't tear their eyes away from advertising billboards featuring pictures of picture perfect models were also a major distraction on the road.

A UK Insurance company found 17 per cent of male drivers admitted knowing their actions were dangerous but said they 'could not help but look'.

"Stealing a quick look at an attractive pedestrian or billboard model may well be a bit of fun but, on a serious note, drivers shouldn't underestimate that this type of distraction is a major contributing factor in road accidents," said spokesman Matt Owen.

"The number of crashes caused in this way have not changed year on year so drivers obviously are not learning to keep their eyes on the road," Owen said.

Experts also found that motorists who sing along to the radio or their favourite CD have slower reaction times than drivers who merely listen to music.

Psychologists from Monash University in Australia conducted trials on a driving simulator in which volunteers were tested on how quickly they reacted to possible dangerous situations.

The study among 21 drivers aged between 18 and 55 found singing while driving was rated mentally demanding and resulted in slower reaction times and more variable speeds, than driving without music.